Coronary Calcium Score Screening | The Heart Hospital Baylor

Call 1.855.819.7482​ to schedule an appointment.This screening is only $79.​

What is a Coronary Calcium Score?

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A coronary calcium score is a test for people a​t risk for heart disease​​​ who do not have symptoms. The test uses computed tomography (CT) to check for calcium build-up in the walls of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries wrap around the heart and supply it with blood and oxygen. Calcium in these arteries is a sign of heart disease.

During the test, a CT scanner takes pictures of your heart in thin sections. The result is a score based on the amount of calcium seen on the pictures. The higher your calcium score, the higher your risk for coronary artery disease. The test takes about 15 minutes and emits low levels of radiation exposure.

A simple coronary calcium test saved Ken Ferguson's life. Learn more about Ken's story by watching his video:

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​​​Who should get a Coronary Calcium Score Screening?

Your doctor may want you to have a coronary calcium score screening if you have risk factors for heart disease. This test may be most helpful for people who do not have symptoms but who are at medium risk for heart disease. Medium risk means that you have a 10% to 20% chance of having a heart attack in the next ten years, based on your risk factors. Risk factors include age, weight, blood pressure, gender, family history, high cholesterol, smoking and diabetes. Talk with your doctor about your risk for heart disease. This scan is not advised for routine screening for coronary artery disease.¹

What are the minimum requirements for a Coronary Calcium Score Screening​?

Males must be forty (40) to sixty-five (65) years of age. Females must be forty-five (45) to seventy (70) years of age.

The self-referred screening candidate must have one of the following risk factors:

​Diabetes

Current smoker

Obesity

Family history of heart disease

Cholesterol level greater than 160/LDL

​Blood pressure greater than 140/90

The coronary calcium score screening cannot be completed with:

Prior bypass graft(s)

Coronary stent(s)

What do the results mean?

A coronary calcium score screening can give your doctor more information about your risks for heart disease, especially if you already have risk factors. If your score is high, for example, your doctor may prescribe medicines to lower these risks. A high score may also lead to other tests and treatments that could help you avoid a heart attack. If you are concerned as to whether you should undergo a Coronary Calcium Score Screening, speak with your physician.

HEART BASICS

Physicians are members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Health Care System's subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and are neither employees nor agents of those medical centers, The Heart Hospital Baylor Denton or Baylor Health Care System.